bassac ~ supporting people sustaining communitiesWorking with local networks to meet community needs - The Cardigan Centre, Leeds
The Cardigan Centre is a community-based organisation which aims to improve the quality of life for local people in north-west Leeds.
The most effective way they have found to address the social needs of the community is through developing a multi-purpose approach. By providing a range of services, collecting and distributing community information and hosting a number of activities in their community building to host a diverse range of activities they act as a community anchor. The Centre supports participation in local democracy, community organisations and volunteering.
City-wide collaborations
Working with other agencies is intrinsic to their approach. Staff are active in local networks which bring their members together for collaborative working and information-sharing. This year has seen increased collaboration between west and north-west Leeds for example a strategic group focused on social and economic strategy aimed at increasing employment opportunities. It is through the efforts of community-based organisations that improvements for the local community will be made.
Influencing local policies
The centre’s senior staff have been engaged at strategic level locally and city-wide in the fields of youth work, extended school services, health, voluntary sector infrastructure and unemployment. This enables them to influence policy development and to be well-informed about the changing environment.
The shifting funding environment
There has been a gradual shift in funding of services from grants to contracts. Older Active People and Active 4 Life have both been included in service reviews by their statutory funders as new arrangements are developed to introduce commissioning and contracting.
In 2008 the Cardigan Centre achieved the Matrix quality standard for information, advice and guidance services in recognition of our provision which enables local people to apply for jobs, further education and training, and volunteering.